What happened
On the evening of the accident, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver departed from Prince Rupert, British Columbia, bound for Kincolith. The flight was operating under visual flight rules and carried a total of five people, including the pilot and four passengers.
As the aircraft approached the landing area at Kincolith, observers noted that the plane performed three low-altitude passes over the water, descending only a few feet above the surface before climbing back up. During the fourth attempt to land, which occurred at approximately 17:58, the aircraft made contact with the water. While the initial touchdown appeared controlled, the plane skipped across the surface.
The impact caused the floats to dig into the water, followed by the right wing, which was torn from the fuselage. This sequence of events caused the aircraft to capsize and settle in an inverted position. Although local residents at the Government Dock attempted a rescue using small boats, they could not reach those inside the submerged cabin. The accident resulted in five fatalities and left the aircraft with substantial damage.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the impact of the floats on the water created an uncontrollable flying attitude. This instability led to the right wing striking the water and causing the vessel to overturn. The investigation also noted that conflicting wind and water conditions at the time of the landing contributed to the accident.